Toru had been putting on an act all along, pretending to be completely obedient to Spencer, following every command to the letter. In doing so, he gained the absolute trust of the CIA Director.
As for the task Spencer wanted him to carry out in Japan, simply put, it was about money.
The CIA had plenty of off-the-books assets, but that kind of money couldn't be used openly, especially for someone in Spencer's position, constantly under scrutiny.
If that money was funneled into the U.S., it would definitely stir up trouble. He needed legitimate sources of income.
Especially for what Spencer was planning to do. Any money he used needed a clean paper trail. Otherwise, it would all come crashing down.
Because Spencer was preparing to run for Commander-in-Chief of the United States.
And elections in America were all about money. Campaign funding, both under the table and in the open, required an astronomical amount of it.
That was also why Spencer maintained strong ties with the Zionist squid faction. Their conglomerates were loaded.
Toru's mission was to use his identity as a member of the Fujiwara family to make contact with some major Japanese conglomerates and get them to offer "political donations."
As a well-trained dog raised by America, there was no issue in getting those conglomerates to pay up willingly.
Toru couldn't help but remark, "Boss, honestly, with just a word from you, those Japanese companies would obediently hand over the money."
Spencer answered calmly, "It's not appropriate for me to appear personally in this matter. It has to be you. That's how the game is played."
Toru let out a small sigh. Political games really were exhausting.
This was also one of the reasons Spencer had adopted him.
Back when Toru was selected by the CIA, Spencer wasn't yet Director, but he was already high up in the agency. With the CIA's resources, investigating someone's background was easy.
An illegitimate child of the Fujiwara family, a political powerhouse in Japan for over a millennium, and even with a former Prime Minister among its ranks, that identity alone was enough for Spencer to take him in.
From that point on, Spencer had been playing the long game.
There was once a joke online about a man who pretended to be Bill Gates' son-in-law to become Vice President of the World Bank, and then used that position to actually become Bill Gates' son-in-law.
While that was just a joke, Toru had genuinely used both his identities to benefit himself.
Being an illegitimate son of the Fujiwara family made him Spencer's adopted son.
And due to U.S.-Japan relations, being Spencer's adopted son made the Fujiwara family finally recognize his legitimacy.
This was personally overseen by the Fujiwara family's elder, who had even harshly scolded Toru's biological father for abandoning him.
As an adult, Toru didn't hold much affection for Spencer, the adoptive father who took him in for ulterior motives, nor for the biological father who discarded him from birth.
But having no feelings didn't mean he wouldn't make full use of both sides' influence.
"I understand, Boss. I'll complete the mission perfectly."
There was nothing else he could say.
Spencer sounded satisfied. "You're outstanding. You've never let me down. I believe in you, Toru."
After a short pause, the Director continued,
"…That woman you saved yesterday, the Hollywood star Chris Vineyard, is actually Vermouth, a member of the Black Organization. You already know this, don't you?"
"I know, Boss," Toru replied.
He still couldn't believe this shadowy group seriously named themselves the "Black Organization."
"I don't care what happened between you and her," Spencer continued, "but that woman can't be trusted. I've received intel that points to a drug that organization is developing, which is why I've agreed to a temporary cooperation."
"The CIA previously sent an agent named Ethan Hondou to infiltrate the organization."
"He was compromised four years ago and sacrificed himself. Now, his daughter, Hidemi Hondou, has taken his place."
"She's currently using the alias Rena Mizunashi, codename 'Kir,' inside the organization. When you get to Japan, you'll be responsible for establishing contact with her."
"Your mission is simple. Investigate the drug the organization is researching."
Spencer issued the order crisply and clearly.
After hanging up, Toru glanced at the unused [Advanced Technology] draw chance on his system panel. He thought about it for a moment, then decided not to use it just yet.
If the item he drew turned out to be too big, it'd be a pain to bring to Japan.
Take his Porsche 911, for example. He'd have to repair it first, then have someone ship it over by sea.
He did want to ship it by air, but with his current clearance level, the CIA probably wouldn't allow it.
So instead, he pulled out his phone and bought a first-class ticket to Japan departing today.
This first mission Spencer gave him wasn't complicated.
According to intel, the Fujiwara family had already arranged a fiancée for him. She was the eldest daughter of the Shinomiya Zaibatsu—Kaguya Shinomiya.
"Kaguya Shinomiya… now that's interesting."
Toru's expression turned strange. The image of her from the anime surfaced instantly in his mind.
As for the drug Spencer wanted him to investigate, whether it was APTX4869 or the prototype of that entire line—the so-called Silver Bullet—it all pointed to one person.
Shiho Miyano.
(To be continued.)
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